Council Accused of Operating Parking Trap in Greenford
Huge surge in fines follows change in signage for free parking
An example of the new Stop and Shop+ signage in the borough
June 11, 2026
Ealing Council has been accused of operating a “parking trap” on Ruislip Road in Greenford after a Freedom of Information request revealed a dramatic surge in penalties issued in what is advertised as a free parking zone.
Data shows that Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) at the location increased from around 50 a year to close to 1,000 in just six months following a change to signage introduced in October 2025. The enforcement activity is estimated to have generated approximately £53,000 over that period.
The bays in question had previously allowed drivers to park for up to 30 minutes free of charge without any additional requirements. However, new signage added by the council following the introduction of Stop and Shop + now requires motorists to register their stay by phone, even for the free period. Critics say the additional instruction is displayed on a smaller, less noticeable sign beneath the main one, leading to widespread confusion.
The figures, covering the period from November 2025 to April 2026, have prompted claims that the signage change has effectively penalised drivers who were unaware of the new requirement. The Freedom of Information response also indicated that no motorists successfully challenged their penalty at the initial appeals stage.
Harefield resident Colin Coles, a regular visitor to the area, said he was caught out by the change after years of using the bays without issue. He has since disputed his ticket and described the system as misleading, arguing that it targets motorists who believe they are parking in a free zone.
Further concerns have been raised about enforcement practices at the site. Reports include instances of yellow warning pouches being placed on vehicles without accompanying tickets, difficulties in obtaining proof that a PCN was issued, and the use of contravention codes typically associated with unpaid parking in cases where no payment was required.
The situation has added to wider criticism from some motorists and local residents who believe that enforcement measures are discouraging visitors and undermining local businesses.
Ealing Council was approached for comment.
Like Reading Articles Like This? Help Us Produce More This site remains committed to providing local community news and public interest journalism. Articles such as the one above are integral to what we do. We aim to feature as much as possible on local societies, charities based in the area, fundraising efforts by residents, community-based initiatives and even helping people find missing pets. We’ve always done that and won’t be changing, in fact we’d like to do more. However, the readership that these stories generates is often below that needed to cover the cost of producing them. Our financial resources are limited and the local media environment is intensely competitive so there is a constraint on what we can do. We are therefore asking our readers to consider offering financial support to these efforts. Any money given will help support community and public interest news and the expansion of our coverage in this area. A suggested monthly payment is £8 but we would be grateful for any amount for instance if you think this site offers the equivalent value of a subscription to a daily printed newspaper you may wish to consider £20 per month. If neither of these amounts is suitable for you then contact info@neighbournet.com and we can set up an alternative. All payments are made through a secure web site. One-off donations are also appreciated. Choose The Amount You Wish To Contribute. If you do support us in this way we’d be interested to hear what kind of articles you would like to see more of on the site – send your suggestions to the editor. For businesses we offer the chance to be a corporate sponsor of community content on the site. For £30 plus VAT per month you will be the designated sponsor of at least two articles a month with your logo appearing if supplied. If there is a specific community group or initiative you’d like to support we can make sure your sponsorship is featured on related content for a one off payment of £50 plus VAT. All payments are made through a secure web site. |